asked the Minister of Supply, in view of the fact that 12 large-scale sales of Government surplus stocks are to be held in various parts of the country, including Ruddington, during the next three months, if he will arrange for catalogues to be placed in the House of Commons Library; and if he will state what are the chief items for disposal at the Ruddington sale from 27th to 29th March.

Particulars of forthcoming auctions, including the chief items for disposal, are published in the Board of Trade Journal, which is available to hon. Members in the Library. The sale at Ruddington will be of vehicles, mobile lifting equipment, trailers, etc.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is deep concern at the fact that every week now there are colossal sales of Government stocks? I appreciate the difficulties of dealing with the matter by question and answer, and I have been waiting for five weeks to discuss it on the Adjournment but have not had the opportunity yet. But I shall continue again after Easter.

asked the Minister of Supply the purpose of sending notifications to the Colonial Office giving details of Government surplus stocks prior to their being offered at public auction sales.

The Colonial Office was put on the distribution list when that Department had an interest in surplus stores. Its interest has however since ceased, and it has now been taken off the list.

When did the Colonial Office come off the list? Is it not a fact that ten days ago I asked the Ministry for a list of the Government Departments to which these catalogues were sent and that then the Colonial Office was still on the list? Are not these changes which have taken place in this pattern because of Questions in the House very remarkable?

In this case, the name of the Colonial Office was taken off the list as soon as it asked for it to be removed.